Dec - 6th - KDDI also plans to develop set-top boxes to run smartphone apps on televisions.

TOKYO – Telecoms operator KDDI is linking up with J:COM (Jupiter Telecommunications Co.), in which it holds a large stake, and other cable companies, to offer free calls and free cable installation.

Au Mobile customers will be offered free installation and free calls to KDDI landlines if they subscribe to cable.  Beginning this month, six shops in the Tokyo area from KDDI’s au mobile carrier, will offer cable customers 5,000 yen ($64) in rebates and coupons for signing up with it.

The campaign will be expanded to 550 au shops across Japan during 2012.

KDDI is also planning to release new set-top boxes in summer 2012 that will allow customers to run smartphone applications on their TVs, using Google’s Android system.

KDDI and J:COM have been working on developing business synergies since the telecoms operator bought Liberty Global Media’s stake for $4 billion last year.